[21] ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE AND WATERSHED CONSERVATION IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO: A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY OF THE DIMAPATOY RIVER WATERSHED

How to Cite the Article: Zaidin P. Akmad, Nasser C. Andam Jr., Hamdoni K. Pangandaman & Louvill M. Ozarraga (2026). Environmental Governance and Watershed Conservation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: A Qualitative Case Study of the Dimapatoy River Watershed. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(7),294-308. https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i7.2026.294-308

Abstract

The Dimapatoy River Watershed is a critical water source for Cotabato City and neighboring communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Despite its ecological and public service importance, the watershed is exposed to illegal logging, charcoal production, kaingin, land conversion, settlement expansion, and other livelihood-related pressures. This qualitative case study examined how the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) and partner stakeholders govern watershed conservation in the Dimapatoy River Watershed. Data were generated through key informant interviews with Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy personnel and a group interview with representatives of the Metro Cotabato Water District (MCWD). Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis and were supported by policy and secondary document review. Findings show that Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy contributes to watershed conservation through reforestation, rehabilitation, biodiversity assessment, water quality coordination, foot patrolling, monitoring, and Communication, Education, and Public Awareness / Information, Education, and Communication activities. Collaboration with Metro Cotabato Water District, local government units, barangays, people’s organizations, and community actors strengthens conservation work. However, implementation remains constrained by limited manpower, delayed and insufficient funds, monitoring gaps, livelihood dependence on forest resources, weak inter-agency coordination, and uneven enforcement. The study argues that watershed conservation in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao should be understood not only as an ecological intervention but also as an environmental governance issue. Long-term sustainability requires a stronger monitoring system, clearer institutional roles, timely resource support, community-based livelihood alternatives, and a functioning multi-stakeholder watershed governance mechanism.